Here is what my RX-8 Series II (FE1032) Owners Manual has to say about Engine Oils..
Please keep in mind this is meant for the Australian and New Zealand Markets.

I am not trying to flame ANY heated debate, just information as I do not know what the Series I RX-8 Owners manual says...OK

 

interesting!

 

So, 10w-50 dino oil is the stuff to use.

 

wow,

what i get from this is that 5w20 is a lark. great post and great info..

beers

 

As the manual clearly says a low viscosity engine oil (like a 5w30) is good for fuel economy but not good for engine protection, particularly in Summer.

As the manual says Higher Viscosity Engine Oils are required for high temperature weather. So in Summer you will get slightly poorer fuel economy but greater protection.

And this is where I do not agree with Mazda Australia, the Mazda Rotary Oil (which is Castrol) of 5W30 is too light a viscosity for our summers, particularly 35-40 degree ones, and particularly if it is supposed to be a mineral oil.

This Summer I will be using Castrol GTX 3 15W40 which is a "premium" mineral oil and is recommended for the last RX-7 13B REW Turbo., and as a bonus it is much cheaper than "Mazda's Genuine Rotary Oil".

You can pay anything from $26.95 to $32.95 for 5 litres GTX 3, or $46-$80 plus for MRO.

As the manual says...
"When choosing an oil, consider the temperature range your vehicle will operate in before the next oil change"

 

not what the 04 manual said..

we were told 5 w 20.

and yes a know all the stuff you mention.. but really our option in the manual was 5w 20.

beers

 

Which is why 10w-50 is perfect ALWAYS.
IIRC, there is at least one manufacturer that makes a 5w-50 (which is even better in theory). I think Porsche recommends it for one vehicle or another.
However, I'm always skeptical of wide-range multi-visc since its the additive package (which goes away quicker than the oil looses serviceable viscocity) that is responsible for the range.
A 0w-50 would be the ultimate. (And it would probably be good for only one drive cycle!)

Unless you live in a place where it stays below -20°F continuously.
But, then why would you drive an RX-8 in such a place?

 

I can go back to when I first started as a member here saying that the oil was not good enough for extreme weather (like the guys in Nevada, USA had), I got flamed.

Regardless what a valued member here once said that the RENESIS eccentric shaft oil galleries are smaller (thus a lighter oil must be used) than the last RX-7 is TOTALLY Incorrect..

I had this confirmed by another valued member and Vendor here who has rebuilt both engines and there is no difference, there is also no difference between OIL PUMP rotor clearances. There is also NO difference in the MOP oil feeding tube inside diameters between the RX-7 and RENESIS engines.

 

no attack at you.

just pointing out mazda stupid over the years. and continents!

beers

 

Swoope, I understand, but why was it back a few years in Nevada's there were 10s and 10s of RX-8 with shot motors at dealers during a 44 degree 110F summer and very few other problems in other US states, as I said then "something to do with the oil?".

It is clear MNAO and MMC recommended a light viscosity engine oil for emissions and fuel ecomony...and look all the damage it has done to the rebirth of the rotary and the RX-8 publicity wise...I wonder if it was really necessary?

 

funny with the last new motor i have run dino..


the last 10 40. yet i fear the motor is done.

but what do i know..

beers

 

Agree, I don't particularly like an oil with a WIDE heat range for the reasons you said, I think if you live in extreme weather locations like the US, you are better off having 2 different grades of oils, one for summer and one for winter.

Where as in Australia there are only a few small mountain areas we get snow in winter the rest is just cold, with very few days below 5 degrees C or 35F.

So only one grade of oil is required and I like the 15W40

 

Who reman the motor?

 

Mazda USA Still recommend only a 5W20 In the Series II Owners Manual.

They don't show a variable viscosity chart at all , Just 5W20

Go Figure

 

My car is an 06 build delivered Jan07 and the manual is the same.
I have been using 10W30 all along.

 

Because they are afraid of the EPA to a greater extent than the warranty claims.

 

not sure of the company that did them for mazda before they brought it in house..but i am glad they brought it in house.. they have some issues with the early rebuilds.


beers

 

MNAO should have done the rebuilt contract properly in the first instance with Japan Trained staff that MNAO controls..

The ammount of multiple rebiulds from that supplier is discraceful, what the F**K have they done when some owners have had to have 3 or more replacements, MNAO needs a rocket up their backside for letting this happen for too long.

Crikey, they are dealing with their HALO car, look at the damage to Mazda's Quality,Surveys, and reputation...it is bullshit.

I hope now that Mazda Japan may now find a way to take over the North American operations, like they want to.

 

DOUBLE yep!

beers

 

and a yep on that also..

still love the car! it will be fun to see how this plays out.

beers

 

Going by that chart a straight 40 blend is perfect for most conditions in Australia. When was the last time is was below 0 and above 45?

 

28th Jan the car says 52deg. ?????
7th Feb. 46deg ;-)

 

Good stuff again Ash! Thank you for all you do sir.

Paul.

 

man those are some thick oil grades there!

but here's a question, if the general consensus is that 5W-20 oil is 'too thin' for basically any summer (85F+) driving, why is it in the oil chart, it is STILL allowed in that temperature range, heck, it even has a higher top-end temperature range than a standard 10W-30!!